Note. Part of the significance of Ezekiel 18:4 is to change a tradition found in the Ten Commandments and elsewhere. No longer will God hold the people responsible from one generation to another. "It is only the person who sins that shall die." It is very significant that Ezekiel felt free, as a prophet, to speak in God's name and to change an ancient Biblical commandment.

And I love the passage from Philippians 4 -- "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice..." (It's Kathy's favorite passage.) However, the footnote offers an alternative translation for "Rejoice" -- "Farewell." Interesting how that affects the reading.

Today the diocese gathers for our annual Convention. In the spirit of John 17, may we be "sanctified in truth."

Lowell

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Audio podcast: Listen to an audio podcast of the most recent Morning Reflections from today and the past week. Click the following link: Morning Reflection Podcasts

About Morning ReflectionsMorning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.comAnother form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Churchis to explore and celebrateGod's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.